Celebrating the Feast of the Guardian Angel in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

L'Angelo Custode

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Italian American Catholics came out in force Sunday (Oct. 2nd) for the Apostolato Italiano Diocese of Brooklyn’s procession in honor of the Guardian Angel (Angelo Custode) and memorial Mass for the victims of the earthquake in Italy. Gathering en masse at Grand Army Plaza, the faithful recited the Rosary as they made their way through gentrified Prospect Heights, Brooklyn to the Co-cathedral of St. Joseph.

Yours truly participated under the aegis of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata and had the distinct honor of carrying the statue of the Guardian Angel into the church.

In addition to celebrating the Holy Eucharist as a community, over a thousand participants received a plenary indulgence as they passed through the cathedral’s Holy Doors. 

Mass was celebrated in Italian by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Clergy members from across the city joined in the magnificent celebration.

Arriving early, I took the opportunity to see some of
Grand Army Plaza's attractions, including the Soldiers'
and Sailors' Arch (above) and the Baily Fountain (below)

The Apostolato Italiano color guard led the way

Crucifer flanked by acolytes and altar servers

Parishioners from Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen's Church

Members of the Congrega Maria SS. Addolorata

Parishioners from St. Dominic's RC Church

Members of the Apostolato Italiano

Our friends from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata

(Left) Members of the Sacred Heart League of Santa Rosalia and Regina Pacis. (Right) Knight and Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem served as honor guard for Bishop DiMarzio

The faithful recite the Rosary

(Left) Our buddy Vincent and the St. Joseph and St. Pio Prayer Group.
(Right) Devotees of Our Lady of Grace

Members of the Comunità Italiana Immacolata Concezione

Members of the Associazione Maria SS. del Ponte di Partinico New York
and the Borgetto Cultural Association

Parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe RC Church

Our friends from the Societá Gioventú Quagliettana
and the Comunità Italiana Parrocchia di San Giuseppe

Members of the Circolo Calabrittano Inc.

Our friends from the Gioiosa Ionica Society

Parishioners from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church

Parishioners from St. Lukes RC Church

Smiling faces greeted us at St. Joseph's 

Participants packed into the Cathedral for Mass

(Left) We placed the statue beside the High Altar.
(Right) After Mass, Msgr. Cassato, Pastor at St. Athanasius Church,
gave thanks to all who participated in this magnificient celebration of faith